Phoenix closed out their first round series win over the Chicago Blackhawks in front of a 39-save shutout by Coyotes’ goaltender Mike Smith. The ‘Hawks out-shot the visiting Coyotes 39-20 in the game but fell by a final score of 4-0. Rookie defender Oliver Ekman-Larsson opened the scoring in the second and assisted on another goal to help Phoenix pull away with three third period goals.

The Blackhawks dominated play in the opening period but came up empty on the scoreboard. They out-shot Phoenix 16-2 in the opening 20 minutes, winning foot races and board battles with consistency. Andrew Shaw, back in the line-up after serving a three-game suspension, had one of the best chances of the period by driving to the net and redirecting a pinpoint saucer pass from Patrick Kane.

Despite the one-sided opening frame, the teams dropped the puck for the second period scoreless. The ‘Hawks again carried play with prime scoring opportunities by Jonathan Toews on a strong drive to the net, Brendan Morrison with a weak one-time opportunity, and Niklas Hjalmarsson sending a heavy blast that Smith had trouble controlling. The Coyotes’ goaltender managed to snuff out each chance and soak up the rebounds.Continue reading »

I used to think maybe you loved me, now baby I’m sure
And I just can’t wait til the day when you knock on my door
Now every time I go to the mail box, gotta hold myself down
Cos I just wait till you write me your coming around.

Ok, I get it. This song was probably the furthest thing possible from anyone’s mind leaving the United Center Wednesday night with their tail between their legs. Perhaps a more fitting song would be the dirge by Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, “There’s something wrong.” However the start of “Walking on Sunshine,” particularly the word “OW!”, reminded me not only of the Hawks’ game. It also brought back a memory of a Chemistry 101 lab and a scorching hot test tube I had heated up. I’m not sure why, but when it was time to clean up and head to my next class, I firmly grabbed hold of the test tube with three fingers. All were instantly blistered. I didn’t even have time to think of a swear word, I just exclaimed, “Ow!” as the test tube flew out of my hand and broke on the floor. The chemistry teacher kind a shook his head and asked if I needed any first aid. In this highly embarrassing situation I said, “No, I’m ok.”

Needless to say, the Blackhawks were not ‘ok’ Tuesday night. I’d imagine their ears were pretty blistered by the time Coach Q finished his assessment of their efforts; or perhaps better put, lack thereof.Continue reading »

With the scent of circus still in the air at the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks returned home to play their final game in November. The Phoenix Coyotes were in town seeking revenge for the 5-2 loss they suffered at the hands of the Hawks back in Glendale in October.

The Coyotes got their revenge as they out played the Hawks from the opening faceoff.

Mike Smith withstood a barrage of Hawks shots in the opening moments. It was the Coyotes that open the scoring. With 4:07 remaining in the opening period, Daymond Langkow completed a tic tack toe play from Ray Whitney and Shane Doan. The period ended with Hawks down 1-0 and out shot 8-7.

The second period saw the Coyotes extend their lead as Mikkel Boedker dropped a pass to Shane Doan who let a rocket go from the top of the right circle. It repelled past Corey Crawford, hit the crossbar and fell beyond the goal line making it 2-0 with 10:06 remaining in the period.Continue reading »